NEW DELHI: Throughout his life, Manmohan Singh often appeared charmingly out of sync with the pomp associated with high office. It is somewhat ironic that his final journey was meticulously arranged as a ceremonial state funeral, even though such honors are obligatory for former prime ministers. The complexities of politics, however, loomed large, as debates between the Congress and BJP regarding a memorial site remained tense.
Manmohan Singh, who faced many challenges in his political ascent—especially during his second term as Prime Minister—might not have been surprised by the ongoing political skirmishes had he been aware. On a cold, overcast winter morning, the funeral procession set off from the AICC office, accompanied by extensive security arrangements. As expected, the armed forces played a significant role, featuring a military band and ceremonial marchers, while the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs were amongst the attendees.
At the AICC office, where everything began on that fateful Saturday, a large gathering of Congress members united to pay tribute to one of their most influential Prime Ministers. Singh’s family—his wife Gursharan Kaur and daughters Upinder, Daman, and Amrit—were warmly greeted by Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and members of the Gandhi family. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with various party chief ministers and prominent members, also paid their respects.
After the national anthem resonated, the cortege proceeded to Nigambodh Ghat, Delhi’s largest and oldest cremation site, with a stately pace suited for the solemn occasion. The scene was adorned with an abundance of flowers, and while many mourners stood in silence, others chanted familiar eulogistic slogans such as “Amar rahe” and “Jab tak suraj, chand rahega, tab tak tera naam rahega.” Congress remained at the forefront of this gathering, as anticipated.
At Nigambodh Ghat, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and senior party officials waited at the entrance as the casket, draped in the Indian Tricolor, was carried inside. The ceremony saw the laying of wreaths once the casket was placed on a raised platform. Attendees included PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, several members of the NDA government, presiding officers of both houses of Parliament, Congress leaders, and Chiefs of the armed forces, along with representatives from foreign nations including Bhutan and Mauritius.
Despite the mixed political backdrop, interactions between BJP and Congress members were notably absent at the cremation site, contrasting sharply with the hostile exchanges often observed on social media. The atmosphere remained respectful and dignified throughout the proceedings.
As the last rites commenced, Sikh priests recited verses from Gurbani, and Singh’s daughter Upinder lit the pyre, joined by her family members. The state funeral concluded soon after, but political sentiments lingered. A slogan emerged from the crowd calling for Singh to receive the Bharat Ratna, serving as a poignant reminder of the political legacy he leaves behind.
